Thursday of week 24 in Ordinary Time
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Psalm 117(118):1-2,15-17,28
Luke 7:36-50
In today’s gospel, a narrative unfolds in which Jesus is seated at a table with some Pharisees when a woman of ill repute enters the room.
In the presence of Christ, she bares her soul, expresses remorse for her transgressions, and demonstrates profound acts of contrition and affection. She anoints Christ’s feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair.
The dignified guests express displeasure at His tolerance of this gesture, but He elucidates that her actions stem from her love for Him as her Savior, while the host failed to exhibit similar affection or reverence.
Once again, Christ delves into the innermost being of individuals and adjudicates in a manner often overlooked by society. We are reminded to emulate Christ in our conduct and interactions with others, irrespective of their status, for Christ resides within each of us.
Do you partake in the practice of attaching negative labels to others? Or have you been subjected to it? How did you manage criticisms? May God continue to bestow divine love and forgiveness upon us, and may we reciprocate by tending to others and offering praise to God. Amen.
Fr Joseph Osho
